Dist. 17, Part 2, Divisio Textus
by St. Bonaventure
Source text: Public Domain Mark 1.0. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://bonaventure.wrootpress.com/browse/4/d/17/q/bon-sent-IV-d17-p2-divisio
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# COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XVII.

## Part II.

### *On the necessity of sacramental confession.*

*Let us now examine the second article of the question,* etc.

FOR THE TEXT OF THE MASTER, SEE ABOVE, PAGE 415.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above, the Master carried through and determined the first question; here he touches upon and determines the second, namely, whether it is necessary to confess to a man, or whether it suffices to confess to God alone. And this part is divided into two. In the first he adduces authorities for the false side. In the second he adduces authorities for the true side, there at: *But that one ought to confess to priests,* etc.; in which the institution of vocal confession and the obligation upon sinners become clear; in which also consists the difficulty and determination of the present question.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part, inquiry is made concerning vocal confession. And concerning this, two things are principally asked. First, it is asked concerning confession as to the precept of the one instituting it. Second, as to the obligation of the one carrying it out.

As to the first, three things are asked. First, it is asked whether the command concerning confession pertains to the law of nature. Second, whether it pertains to the written law, or the law of grace. Third, it is asked by whom it was instituted, whether by Christ, or by some Apostle of his.